It’s been 20 years since Tinhorn Creek Vineyards was established just south of Oliver in the famed Golden Mile wine growing district.
Sandra Oldfield, the winery’s CEO and wine maker, said they are going to celebrate in style, planning 20 events throughout 2014 to commemorate the winery’s 20th year, including a celebration of their 21st harvest this fall.
Since harvesting their first grapes in 1994 on the Golden Mile in the Okanagan, the family-owned and operated Tinhorn Creek Vineyards has been a pioneer of carbon-neutral wine making and has been instrumental in introducing the world to B.C. wine.
“Our 20th anniversary is a great time to celebrate what we’ve managed to build in an ever-changing BC wine industry,” said Oldfield.
“It’s a chance to look ahead to where Tinhorn Creek and B.C. wine lovers are heading. I’m very excited about what the next 20 years will have to offer because I know we’ll be right there helping to shape and strengthen the wines and the wine industry.”
As a top winery destination evoking classic south Okanagan terroir, Tinhorn Creek grows grapes on both the Black Sage and Golden Mile benches for their 100 per cent estate grown wines, which will feature at the events throughout the year.
Tinhorn Creek will be offering 20th anniversary event passports. Pick up a passport at the winery and have it stamped when you attend any of the anniversary events. Those who attend five events or more will be entered to win a prize.
One of the first events is on Feb. 12, with the Good Wolfe wine maker dinner, where guests can try Yaletown’s newest restaurant and taste Tinhorn Creek’s wines with winemaker Oldfield.
On April 22, Miradoro Restaurant proprietor Manny Ferreira will celebrate 20 years since he bought a case of Tinhorn wine by returning to the kitchen to appear as guest chef at a special communal table dinner.
There will be music too, continuing the winery’s annual series of concerts.
For the 20th anniversary, they are offering a greatest hits concert series, which starts on May 24 when the vineyards’ outdoor amphitheatre will feature music from favourite past concert performers, washed down with a selection of the winery’s own best hits.
The concert series will end with a grand finale on Sept. 6 featuring an iconic Canadian singer-songwriter.
The vineyard itself will be the spectacular setting for many of the 20 special events. Highlights include a communal crab feast on June 8 where guests can chow down on Cajun style crab and enjoy Tinhorn wine on alfresco long tables.
July 20 is the winery’s open house. This family-friendly event will be a special party with fun games and great giveaways, plus entertainment such as a magician, face painting and music; accompanied by a barbecued feast and treats from Miradoro Restaurant.
In August, the fun is still going to be outdoors, with a special Starlit Supper prepared by the Miradoro team, with a multi-course menu paired with Tinhorn Creek wines, all served in the moonlit outdoor amphitheatre.
On Oct. 10, it’s the City Lights Meets Country Nights dinner at Miradoro, featuring Chef Angus An from Vancouver’s award-winning Thai restaurant Maenam. Chef An and Miradoro’s Executive Chef Jeff Van Geest will be creating alternate courses paired with Tinhorn Creek wines, with the winemaking team guiding diners through the wine pairings.
There’s more food on the table in November, as Tinhorn celebrates their 21st harvest with the hearty harvest communal table dinner on Nov. 18, a long table dinner with hot mulled wine, soup and a taste of the new wine releases.
Dec. 6 brings Tinhorn’s Tacky Christmas Social. Get into holiday spirits at a festive night of games, great food and wine tasting — and don’t forget your ugly Christmas sweater.
As the first winery in Canada to support carbon neutral measures, Tinhorn Creek continues their commitment to land stewardship, conservation and environmentally sustainable practices.
For more information and access to Tinhorn Creek’s full schedule of 20th Anniversary events, call 1-888-484-6467 or visit the website at www.tinhorn.com.
